Italian satellite is a laser disco ball for science

LARES will help scientists on the ground study the warping of space-time

If Albert Einstein were alive to witness Italy's Laser Relativity Satellite (LARES) in action, he might just start dancing. That's because the tungsten sphere, just over a foot in diameter, is meant to orbit the Earth and help scientists prove part of the genius's general theory of relativity — by firing lasersat it.

Due to be launched later this month, LARES is covered in 92 reflectors designed to bounce laser light fired from ground stations back to its origin, thus allowing scientists to measure its precise distance and orbit. Using these measurements, it's hoped that they'll see proof that the satellite's orbit is being altered by a warping of space-time around the Earth as it rotates. This effect is called frame-dragging, and should be present if the concepts of general relativity hold true.

Conclusive proof that the frame-dragging is taking place may take several years to confirm, as it's possible for variables such as tall mountain ranges to affect the satellite's orbit as it passes over them. With an expected accuracy of 99%, however, the LARES will provide scientists with much higher precision than previous satellites have been able to offer.

Origami Bots: Paper robots running on air slither and slide their way to missions

What do you see when you close your eyes and imagine robots? Probably tough, metallic machines that can withstand all sorts of extreme conditions. While that's usually the case with most DARPA-funded creations, the government agency believes there's a future for robots much, much softer than the usual. Enter one of DARPA's most curious projects — the origami-like paper bot that runs on nothing but air.

Some of the more conventional robots can't get into tight places, and in some instances like search and rescue operations, flexibility may be crucial. The paper bots are highly-flexible, and can slither, twist, and undulate like snakes. Aside from paper, the robots are made of fabric and wire mesh, while silicone is used to mold their shapes.

The robots are connected to a hose that pumps compressed air around twice as strong as human exhalation. Because they don't have internal mechanisms, their movements are mostly determined by the way they're folded. A tube of paper crumpled the right way, for example, can lift roughly 2 lb. of weight when air is pumped.

Some of the more immediate uses for paper bots are surveillance and rescue missions. But in the future, the researchers hope to shrink them down until they're microscopic in size, possibly for medical applications.

Nintendo expands free EU wifi

As Sony prepares to launch the PlayStation Vita in Europe mid-February, Nintendo is rolling out 5,000 more free wifi hotspots for its competing 3DS.

Nintendo expands free EU wifi

The arrangement with free-hotspot.com benefits owners across 21 European countries and enables 3DS handhelds to automatically connect at participating branches of the Ibis and Etap hotel chains and fast food joints like McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Burger King.

The console manufacturer had more recently extended the 3DS's free wifi coverage to include several US and UK airports.

Sony has instead been cutting deals with mobile telecoms companies in advance of the Vita's February 22 debut in North America and European regions.

Like Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle, the Vita comes in two flavors: wifi only, and wifi plus 3G.

In North America and Japan, 3G models are tied to AT&T and DoCoMo respectively. In European regions buyers are encouraged to sign up with Vodafone or an affiliated network such as SFR in France.

While the 3G models offer mobile connections for consumers and additional revenue for Sony, early reports indicate a preference for the cheaper wifi-only model among prospective purchasers.

It runs $/€50 cheaper at $/€249, equal to the Nintendo 3DS's launch pricing.

The 3DS, which will have been on the market for nearly a year when the Vita hits the streets, enjoyed a significant increase in sales after dropping its price to $/€169 in August 2011.

HP launches the HP Omni 27

HP's latest all-in-one PC is its largest to date at 27-inch

HP Omni 27 All-in-One PC

HP computers have always been known to seamlessly partner style with performance, as seen in the HP Touchpad and Folio13 Ultrabook launched last year.

Their latest offering -- HP Omni 27 all-in-one PC, is no exception as well. Specifically designed for consumers looking for a wholesome package in terms of style and simplicity, the HP Omni 27 is the first all-in-one PC to feature a High Definition (HD) screen.

The HP Omni 27 is definitely a combination of both beauty and substance, boasting a powerful 2.5GHz i5 core processor, two terabyte of storage space and audio by Beats Audio.

With the HP Omni 27, users can also expect greater convenience and usability with features like the new HP Magic Canvas software, which allow users limitless and fully customizable desktop space to suit each individual need. It is certainly a nifty tool for users who are not exactly big fans of cluttered home screens and crave greater accessibility.

The HP Omni 27 All-in-One PC will be available at authorized HP retailers at a recommended retail pricing of US$1,199. For more information, please visit www.hp.com .

Top 5 Gadgets for the Creative Designer

Five gadgets that possess both form and function

Copyright (c) Lifestyle Asia Ltd. 2012, All Rights Reserved.

Wacom Cintiq

Designers are notoriously picky when it comes to choosing their tools of the trade, with each gadget needing to fulfill both functional and aesthetic appeal. Whether it is for design or for inspiration, gadgets are a must-have for any designer.

Here are our top five picks for a design enthusiast's gadget wishlist.

1. Wacom Cintiq 12WX

We kick off the wishlist with a gadget that most designers deem a must-have -- a multi-touch drawing tablet. When it comes to drawing tablets, we cannot neglect tablet giant Wacom, especially with their Cintiq line.

The Wacom Cintiq 12WX combines all of a designer's tablet needs in one gadget. A vibrant 12-inch display allows designers to work directly on the designs, taking advantage of natural hand-eye coordination and providing the feel of working on natural media. The 12WX also comes with a range of programmable quick keys, allowing designers to increase their efficiency while having full control over their workflow.

With both functionality and aesthetics down pat, the Cintiq 12WX will definitely find a place in any designer's wishlist.

Price: USD999

2. Wacom Inkling

Any designer would tell you that sketches play a big role in creating amazing designs. Hence, any designer would kill to be able to sketch and have their designs digitally stored at the same time.

By simply attaching the scanner clip on any piece of paper, designers will be able to have their sketches instantly digitized, ready for transfer onto Photoshop, Illustrator or any image editing software.Simple and incredibly functional, the Wacom Inkling is a sure-win candidate for a place in any designer's wishlist.

Price: USD200

3. The Iphone SLR Mount

As most of us already know, the conventional iPhone already takes amazing quality pictures for a mobile phone. But what if you could transform it into a multi-function digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera? With inspirations constantly coming out of the blue, it is best to have a handy accessory that a a designer can use to capture images in high resolution.

The case-adapter allows users to mount any conventional Canon EOS or Nikon SLR lenses onto the iPhone, giving it a powerful depth of field and manual focus. Now, designers need no longer worry about taking iPhone photos with low resolution and enjoy high quality pictures to aid in their creative process.

Price: USD199

Check out the remaining two gadgets in our designer's wishlist on the next page.

4. Samsung SyncMaster S27A850D

For professional graphic designers, it's needless to say that precise image clarity is of utmost importance. Hence, it's only natural for designers to demand a computer display capable of high resolution graphics and vibrant color range, like the Samsung SyncMaster S27A850D.

Armed with a 27-inch monitor, the Samsung SyncMaster is tailor-made for the professional graphic designer, with its high, full-HD 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. The SyncMaster's vast colour range also allows its user to enjoy a visual display that is both vibrant and eco-friendly, thanks to Samsung's patented energy efficient technology. With its combination of power and performance encased within a sleek black exterior, the Samsung SyncMaster is a must have in any designer's wishlist.

Price: USD899

5. QlockTwo Touch by Biegert & Funk

Clocks are not exactly what comes to mind when you think of designing. However, deadlines are a main stay in any designer's daily life, so what better way to lessen the pressure of a ticking clock than to make the clock watching experience an aesthetically pleasing one?

The QlockTwo Touch by Biegert & Funk is one clock that most designers would be happy to look at frequently. The QlockTwo Touch utilizes a unique time telling display only found on QlockTwo pieces, where a matrix of characters form written words to tell the time. The QlockTwo Touch is a personal favorite on this list for its innovative design and sleek look.

Price: USD599

Sony debuts ultra slim waterproof Cyber-shot

Stylish and powerful, the TX200v takes faster, clearer images

While Sony has always been constant with releasing upgrades of their old camera models, the 18-megapixel DSC-TX200V sets itself apart from the other Cyber-shots.

This is thanks to its non-protruding lens, adding to its sleek, polished appearance. Though half as rugged as shock-proof cameras, the glass-fronted camera is certified dust-proof and is waterproof of up to 16 feet. The enhanced auto focus function on the TX200V allows users to swiftly capture clear images even in dimly lit environments.

We love how this camera changes our photo viewing experiences. Instead of just showing your friends photographs of your trip around Asia , expand your viewing pleasure with the GPS log recording that tracks your journey on a map. You can even create artistic images within the camera, with new picture effect modes, watercolour and illustration.

Together with the TX200V, Sony also released the WX70 and WX50. All three cameras feature the BIONZ image processor capability and improved Optical SteadyShot image stabiliser, promising clearer handheld photos.

The new Sony Cyber-shot TX200V, WX70 and WX50 digital compact cameras will be available in Asia Pacific from March 2012.

Launch of Ferrari 458 Spider

The impossibly stylish 458 Spider is also first with retractable hard top

ferrari 458 spider - ferrari

The vibrant hue of red took centrestage at the unveiling of Ferrari's 458 Spider last week at the home of Teo Hock Seng, managing director of Ital Auto. Yes, it might have been Chinese New Year, but it was the new luxury sports car, also the world's first with a fully retractable hard top and mid-rear V8 engine, decked out in a splendidly sexy fire-engine red that was reason for celebration for the day.

Ahead of the car's official launch in Singapore 's market in March, the 458 Spider was unveiled to the Teos' personal friends, Ferrari's high net worth clients, motoring enthusiasts and the media. And as expected, the stylish car with the 570-horsepower V8 engine, had the attention of all present. The first ever retractable hard top, manufactured entirely in aluminium, and offering a reduction of 25kg in weight and a deployment time of just 14 seconds compared to traditional folding soft-tops, was also the main topic of conversation for many.

Ital Auto, the exclusive distributor of Ferrari is now taking orders for the new 458 Spider. Prices start from S$998,000, without a Certificate of Entitlement.

Done with the video and want to see more? Check out other videos from the Launch of Porsche 911 , New Year's Eve Party at 1-Altitude , Launch of Cartier Time Art Exhibition , Lauch Party of Transformers Ride , DBS Black Top Finale Party , La Senza Christmas Party and Mini Coupe Launch Party .